APA at the United Nations

APA is an accredited nongovernmental organization (NGO) at the United Nations. It is affiliated with the Department of Public Information (DPI) of the U.N. (1999), accorded special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the U.N. (2000) and accredited to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) (2001).

APA's Representation at the United Nations

APA-appointed representatives work within the NGO community at the U.N. headquarters in New York. Based on APA advocacy goals and priorities, APA representatives collaborate with other NGO representatives and APA offices and governance to identify issues, organize programs and draft statements that bring psychological science and a psychological perspective to bear on global policies and programs. Representatives also foster dialogue and information exchange between psychologists and APA and U.N. diplomats and representatives of U.N. agencies, and serve as APA's conduit for information about the United Nations.

APA Activities at the United Nations

APA's U.N. team of psychologists attend NGO meetings and pursue program objectives on a weekly basis. Through committee leadership, workshop development and involving psychology expertise, they attempt to bring a psychological perspective to U.N. discussions and deliberations.

Psychology Day at the U.N.

Psychology Day at the United Nations is a celebration of psychology in the context of the United Nations. It provides an opportunity for psychology to share with U.N. Permanent Missions, U.N. agencies, NGOs and the private sector the activities of psychologists at the U.N. and the role of psychology in addressing concerns of global importance. Psychology Day also introduces psychologists and psychology students to psychology’s current and potential involvement in U.N. activities and issues. The Inaugural Psychology Day at the United Nations was held in 2007. See all programs and presentations, organized by year.

Psychology Day 2014

The 7th Annual Psychology Day at the United Nations, held April 24, 2014, shared with attendees the role of psychological science and practice in addressing the United Nation's global efforts, and facilitated dialogue and partnerships between U.N. missions, staff and civil society. The theme, "Psychology's Contributions to Sustainable Development: Challenges and Solutions for the Global Agenda" showcased how psychology is uniquely centered at the cross-roads of addressing global issues that are often people-focused. Applied psychology can be used to inform public policy and can be a valuable tool in building sustainable societies. A complete webcast is available. The annual Psychology Day at the U.N. is organized collaboratively by the several psychology organizations accredited to the United Nations as non-governmental organizations. More information on Psychology Day at the U.N. is available on its website.